Psoriasis is a chronic condition characterized by patches of
thickened, red scaly skin called plaques. It occurs when skin cells
grow too quickly.1
Under normal circumstances the skin renews itself every 28-30 days.
In psoriasis, faulty signals in the immune system accelerate this
process, causing new skin cells to form in 3-5
days.2 The body does not shed these excess skin
cells, so they build up on the surface of the skin to form plaques.
Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body, but is most commonly
found on the elbows, knees, lower back and
scalp.2
It can also affect the fingernails and toenails. In addition,
psoriasis can cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as
psoriatic arthritis. Classified from mild to severe, psoriasis may
be limited to small localized patches of skin or can cover large
areas of the body.3 Symptoms can first appear at
any point in the life-span, affecting children, teenagers, adults
and older people, but often begins at an early
age.3
